How A lot Will Putting in a Panic Room Price You?

During the last decade, the variety of Individuals actively making ready for catastrophe has skyrocketed. In line with FEMA knowledge, the variety of self-identified “preppers” has practically doubled since 2017, reaching 20 million. A part of that preparation generally features a “panic room” or bunker to maintain themselves protected in an emergency.

Whereas custom-built, multi-room underground shelters with superior safety programs can value tons of of 1000’s of {dollars} (or extra), easier pre-fabricated choices put in above-ground may be rather more reasonably priced and accessible.

So, how a lot will putting in a panic room actually run you? Under, we break down potential prices concerned and the elements that affect them.

Why Are Extra Individuals Constructing Panic Rooms?

A rising concern over civil unrest, crime, and worsening pure disasters has pushed many Individuals to think about investing in emergency preparations like a panic room. A 2023 Finder survey discovered that 29% of U.S. adults spent a collective $11 billion on emergency preparedness in 12 months.

A devoted house, like a panic room or bunker, means that you can stockpile requirements and keep protected against the surface world in occasions of chaos. For disaster-prepared householders, having this entry can present consolation and safety for themselves and their households.

Colorado-based normal contractor Chris Hock, proprietor of Earth Saving Options and Colorado Houses and Design, says he hasn’t had the chance to construct a panic room but, however they steadily seem in his social media feeds.

“I’ve achieved fairly a little bit of analysis on [panic rooms] through the years,” Hock stated. “I’ve seen houses with intensive meals storage and a rising demand for backup energy. Photo voltaic programs with backup batteries have been significantly related in Colorado.”

Totally different Sorts of Panic Rooms and Their Value Ranges

Panic room prices can drastically differ from one challenge to the following, starting from a couple of thousand to a couple million {dollars}. The value finally is determined by challenge scope, supplies, and desired options. Right here’s what you possibly can anticipate to pay for several types of panic rooms, based mostly on knowledge from Dwelling Information.

• Low finish: Above-ground protected rooms. Putting in a easy, above-ground panic room presents an reasonably priced choice for householders on the lookout for elevated dwelling safety. These rooms, which are sometimes pre-fabricated metal protected rooms put in in a closet or storage, usually begin at round $3,600 and run upwards of $11,200. Whereas extra reasonably priced, they provide fewer protections than below-ground bunkers.
• Mid-range: Prefabricated underground bunkers. Superb for cover from pure disasters and large-scale emergencies, these can vary from $4,000 to over $20,000 for smaller one-room storm shelters, together with excavation and set up prices. Multi-room bunkers with utilities, emergency escape hatches, and filtration programs can value upwards of $400,000.
• Excessive-end: Customized-built bunkers. Tailor-made to particular wants, these can embody facilities like air filtration programs, solar-powered infrastructure, and escape tunnels. The nationwide common value to construct a {custom} bunker, together with excavation, supplies, and labor, is round $60,000, however it might probably exceed $9 million for high-end installations.

Options That Affect Your Panic Room Price

As with every development challenge, your preferences and specs can enormously influence the entire value of a panic room. The extra safety and security options you need, the costlier your construct will probably be, stated Hock. 

“You must take into consideration the complexity of supplies, design selections, and ongoing upkeep,” he stated.

Listed below are a couple of key elements that may drive up your whole value.

Supplies and Measurement

Many panic rooms and bunkers are product of metal, however safely burying them underground requires bolstered concrete. Ryan Meagher, pre-construction supervisor at BVM Contracting, stated that concrete is usually the largest materials value concerned in an underground panic room construct. The typical value of concrete partitions is $90 to $320 per linear foot, so the bigger your construction, the upper your prices will probably be.

“Understanding how a lot concrete will probably be wanted and the kind of reinforcements wanted will probably be an vital value consideration,” Meagher stated.

Utilities and Performance

Meagher stated utilities are an enormous value consideration for a panic room or bunker, together with backup energy for electrical energy within the case of an influence outage, plumbing and contemporary water provide, air flow, and HVAC.

Greenhouses, which are perfect for self-sustainability, can vary from $2,500 to $15,000, plus further lighting and watering programs.

“Including parts like hydroponics for rising meals underground is feasible, however you could take into account the need of those options based mostly in your price range,” Hock stated.

New Development vs. Retrofitting

Hock famous that constructing a panic room or bunker into a brand new development challenge is far simpler than including one to an present property.

“If the bunker is a part of the unique dwelling design, the challenge prices may be rather more affordable from the beginning,” he defined. “Moreover, the facilities will probably be higher built-in, and the house owners and their households will probably be safer.”

Hock stated it’s nonetheless “completely possible” to retrofit an present dwelling with an above or below-ground panic room—although the associated fee and complexity of your challenge will improve.

“A lot of testing will probably be obligatory,” he added. “Think about water tables, soil testing, metropolis codes, and property strains.”

Extra Price Components

• Above-ground vs. below-ground: Protected rooms and above-ground storm shelters are considerably cheaper than underground bunkers. Excavation alone can vary from $1,100 to $5,600, however that value could also be value it should you’re on the lookout for added safety from the weather.
• Pre-fabricated vs. custom-built: Pre-fabricated bunkers and shelters may be more cost effective than {custom} builds. Nevertheless, there could also be supply and set up prices concerned, which may add 1000’s (or extra) to your remaining invoice.
• Superior safety features: You possibly can anticipate to pay further for options like emergency exits, escape hatches, and bolstered metal or concrete partitions. Different potential safety features embody privateness fencing and camouflage entrances.
• Permits: Constructing permits for large-scale development initiatives like a bunker or a panic room addition can vary from $500 to $2,000, although this can be constructed into your contractor or installer’s value.

Issues Earlier than You Begin Your Panic Room Construct 

It doesn’t matter what sort of panic room challenge you’re involved in, it’s clever to work with an expert who has expertise in these forms of dwelling renovations to make sure your panic room is constructed accurately. 

“Be sure you have detailed architectural drawings,” Meagher stated. “Working with an architectural accomplice that has expertise specifying the proper wall configurations and different particulars in your panic room is paramount in having the development executed correctly.”

When you discover a contractor, Hock suggested speaking clearly with them concerning the supposed function of your panic room, as this may inform which options are most vital to the construct.

“Perceive why you need this house, whether or not it’s for pure catastrophe safety, dwelling invasion safety, or long-term self-sufficiency within the occasion of nuclear fallout,” he stated. “Price range realistically and prioritize high quality to make sure your security and peace of thoughts.”

Lastly, you will need to determine easy methods to pay in your challenge, whether or not it is money, a dwelling enchancment mortgage, a house fairness line of credit score (HELOC), bank cards, or a mix of choices.

The Backside Line

For some Individuals, no value is just too excessive to shield their household and property. A panic room or bunker can provide you peace of thoughts about your safety and skill to navigate an emergency scenario. As with every development challenge, it’s vital to evaluate your wants, price range, and obtainable choices to grasp all the prices concerned in constructing your panic room.